BROCKPORT, N.Y. – In its first game as being the nationally No. 1 ranked team, the Plattsburgh State men’s ice hockey team skated to a 1-1(OT) draw against Brockport on Friday night.
The Cardinals opened to a promising start as sophomore forward Matt Quilty gave Plattsburgh State a 1-0 lead 1:27 into the first period. Quilty, positioned in the right circle, received a pass from Anthony Calabrese before sending a shot on net, beating Golden Eagles goaltender Cole Burack five hole.
Brockport would strike the equalizer less than five minutes later on a power play. Tim Kielich was credited with the goal as Aidan Verbeke and Chase Nieuwendyk picked up assists.
However, the game would belong to the goalies as Burack and Cardinals goalie Spencer Finney went save for save the rest of the way.
Each team had several prime scoring chances including in the additional five minute overtime period. Brockport’s Ryan Kangas sent a shot that rattled off the inside of the post before sliding back under Finney. Moments later in the waning seconds of extra time, the Cardinals’ Cole Stallard was loose on a breakaway but Burack came out of the crease and made a pad stacking save to keep the game tied.
Finney finished the game with 28 saves as Burack made 25.
Plattsburgh State went 0-1 on the power play while Brockport finished 1-3.
The top ranked Cardinals still remain unbeaten but now are 8-0-1 (5-0-1 SUNYAC). The eight-game win streak was the best start for Plattsburgh State since the 1999-2000 season when it won its first 11 games en route to a 26-4-3 mark. Brockport also got its first tie of the season Friday night as the Golden Eagles are now 4-5-1 (3-4-1 SUNYAC).
Plattsburgh State will hit the ice Saturday at Geneseo when it plays the 14th ranked Ice Knights in another SUNYAC clash. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.
